William Jordan raped a teenage girl on his wedding night (Picture: Central News)

A man has been jailed for raping a 14-year-old girl on his wedding night as his new wife slept in the room next door.

William Jordan, 59, was given an 18-year sentence for raping the teenager and another 11-year-old girl who worked as a babysitter in his home.

He raped his first victim after his own wedding reception in 1973 as she slept in a bed in the home of a family friend.

The victim did not tell anyone about this attack until she was contacted by police investigating linked historic abuse some 40 years later.

From 1977-1979 he abused another girl who worked as a babysitter in his Hammersmith house, the Old Baily heard during his trial.

He would return from the pub and if his children were asleep, he would rape her, the court heard.

Detective Inspector Tim Wilkinson said: ‘This conviction sends out a very strong and positive message to Londoners that those who commit serious offences will be brought to justice without the passing of time being a barrier.

‘I would like to pay tribute to the bravery of the victims who found the strength to give evidence in court.

‘We know that only a proportion of rape victims report to police, I hope that this conviction encourages other victims of rape to come forward.’

Mr Jordan, from west London, denied the charges, but was branded a ‘devious, predatory abuser’ after being convicted by a jury.